UC Davis trauma center re-verified as level I by the American College of Surgeons

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) —

The trauma center at UC Davis has been re-verified as level 1 by the American College of Surgeons, making it one of only three trauma centers in California with level I verification in both pediatric and adult trauma care.

Joseph Galante

The Verification Review Committee of the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons extended the center’s re-verification until 2018.

Joseph Galante, UC Davis chief of trauma and acute care surgery and surgical critical care, said the re-verification is due to the dedication of UC Davis’ multidisciplinary trauma team in providing optimal care for injured patients throughout Northern and Central California.

“This achievement reflects the expertise and hard work of the physicians, nurses and staff who make our trauma center such invaluable and uniquely qualified resource for our region,” Galante said.

The verification program promotes the development of trauma centers that provide the entire spectrum of care to injured patients, from transport through treatment and rehabilitation. A level I center has the full range of trauma specialists and technology available onsite, 24 hours a day. In addition, a level I center trains the next generation of trauma specialists and leads the way in research and outreach aimed at reducing injuries.

UC Davis has a longstanding tradition of excellence in trauma care. Its trauma center is named for one of the fathers of modern orthopedic trauma surgery, Michael Chapman, who served as chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. In addition, the UC Davis medical library is named for F. William Blaisdell, who is acknowledged worldwide as the father of modern trauma care and served as the chair of the Department of Surgery.